Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

To create a usable font, you need more than drawings of letters: you need a font editor to connect glyphs to characters, set spacing and other metrics, add any needed typographic behavior, and generate a font file. A practical workflow is to define the font’s purpose, choose an editor, draw or import glyphs, test them in words and target applications, then export the format your workflow accepts.

What you need to create a font

A font is a designed and encoded collection of glyphs, spacing metrics, metadata, and, optionally, typographic features such as ligatures. A vector illustration program can draw letter shapes, but those drawings alone are not an installable font. FontForge’s documentation defines a font editor as “a program designed to create and modify fonts,” reflecting the distinction: a font editor manages characters and glyph relationships and generates font files. FontForge documentation

The work typically involves drawing or importing outlines, assigning widths and side spacing, checking how glyphs read together, and generating an output font. You can begin with a small personal handwriting or display font; a larger family or multilingual project requires a broader character set and more production work. Decide which characters and languages you need before drawing. There is no universal minimum character list established for every project.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Choose a font editor

FontForge and Birdfont are documented free starting points, but their workflows and licensing differ. FontLab 8 is a paid Mac and Windows option aimed at broader production needs. No neutral benchmark establishes which editor is easiest, fastest, or best for every user, so compare the operating systems you use, the formats you need, your project’s scope, licensing terms, and whether advanced features matter.

#1 Best Overall
HUION Drawing Tablet H420X Graphics Tablet with 8192 Level Pen Pressure
  • New upgraded version: Battery-free Stylus with 8192 Levels Pressure does not require charging, The report rate of the H420X graphic tablet has increased to 300 PPS, making lines quicker and smoother, and feel like a real pen. The pen also has 2 customizable buttons on the side that allow you to switch between right-clicking and the eraser etc instantly
  • Graphic design tablet H420X is only 7mm in thickness and 167g in weight. A slim and compact design with a active area of 4.17x2.6 inches and dimension of 6.77x4.3 inches make it perfect for limited desktop space and easy to carry out when on a trip.
  • H420X huion drawing tablet is compatible with Windows 7 or later, Mac OS 10.12 or later, and Android 6.0 or later. Huion H420X drawing pad has good compatibility with most drawing software including Adobe Photoshop, Paint tool sai, Corel Painter, Illustrator, Sketchbook, Manga Studio, Clip Studio Paint, Fireworks, Comic Studio, SAI, Krista, Infinite Stratos, Pixologic ZBrush and other major graphics applications, and more. H420X is NOT compatible with iOS.
  • H420X computer graphics tablets also can be used for playing OSU games, signing documents, taking notes, and more. No need to install the driver. Just plug and play!
  • The note taking tablet is also easier to handwrite write, edit, and annotate with a stylus for online education, e-learning, remote working, or web conference. HUION H420X also is compatible with XSplit, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and more
Tool Platforms and capabilities Cost and licensing Best fit and caveat
FontForge Windows, Mac, and GNU/Linux. Creates and modifies PostScript, TrueType, and OpenType fonts. FontForge project FontForge documentation Free and open source, according to the project. FontForge project A free, broad-purpose editor. Its documentation covers a wide range of production tasks; that is not a guarantee that it will be the easiest choice for a beginner.
Birdfont Windows, Mac, and Linux editions are listed. Exports TTF, OTF, and SVG. Birdfont Birdfont font-creation guide Open-source, freeware, Commercial, and Plus editions are described. The freeware binary is specified for fonts released under the SIL Open Font License (OFL); paid editions list additional uses and features. Check the current edition terms before distributing a commercial font. Birdfont A vector-oriented editor with several edition choices. Confirm the license for the edition you use and the way you intend to release the font.
FontLab 8 Mac and Windows. The vendor lists OpenType, variable, web, and color-font production, along with drawing, spacing, and kerning tools. FontLab 8 The vendor page listed a fully functional 10-day trial, Starter at US$97 for 3 months, and Pro at US$499 lifetime when checked on 2026-10-07. Verify current pricing and terms on the product page. FontLab 8 A paid option for users who need a broader production feature set. The listed capabilities and pricing are the vendor’s descriptions, not an independent usability evaluation.

For a first small font, begin by comparing FontForge and Birdfont if you want a free desktop editor. If you need variable or color-font workflows or other advanced production tools, review FontLab’s current feature and license details before deciding whether its paid option fits your project.

Create the font, from scope to export

1. Define the project’s scope

Decide whether you are making a personal handwriting font, a display face, or a larger family. Write down the characters and languages it must support, plus the applications or publishing workflow where you expect to use it. This prevents you from drawing a set of attractive letters only to discover later that it lacks characters you need.

Rank #2
Sale
XOPPOX Graphics Drawing Tablet, 10×6 Inch Large Active Area with Battery-Free Stylus, 8192 Levels of Pen Pressure and 12 Hot Keys, Compatible with PC/Mac/Android for Painting, Design & Online Teaching
  • 【Broad Compatibility】XOPPOX upgraded drawing tablet is compatible with Windows XP/7/8/10/11, Android 4.4 and above, and macOS 11 or later (not compatible with iPhone, iPad, or Chromebook). Note: For Mac users, permissions for Accessibility, Input Monitoring, and Full Disk Access are required in Security & Privacy after installation
  • 【No-Battery Pen】The digital drawing tablet comes with a battery-free pen featuring 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, making lines smoother and more natural. This pen does not need to be charged, so you don’t have to worry about battery power. The package includes 20 replacement nibs
  • 【Convenient Shortcut Keys】Designed with 12 customizable shortcut keys and 10 multimedia keys (only compatible with Windows), this drawing pad for pc provides greater convenience and helps improve productivity and efficiency by allowing you to set shortcuts for many different software in the driver settings
  • 【Easy to Install】When connecting the graphics tablet to the computer, you can find the installation driver on the removable disk of your computer and install it. Note: After installation, you need to perform some settings and restart your computer before use. If you have any questions about the drawing tablet for pc, please reach out to us directly via "Get Product Support" on the Amazon order page or after-sales email
  • 【Wide Range of Use】XOPPOX drawing tablet is compatible with office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint. It is ideal for online teaching, online classes, remote work, web conferences, presentations, and so on. The art tablet is also compatible with most major software, including Photoshop, SAI, FlipaClip, MediBang, Adobe Illustrator, Lightroom, and more

2. Set up the editor and character set

Install your chosen editor and create a font project. Select or add the glyph slots needed for your planned character set. Names and controls vary by program, so follow that editor’s documentation rather than assuming the same menu path across tools.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

3. Draw or import glyph outlines

Draw glyphs in the font editor, or create vector outlines elsewhere and import them if your editor supports that workflow. FontLab’s tutorial also describes turning scans or photos into vector glyphs. FontLab: How to make your own font A scan or photo is a source for an outline, not the finished font: the glyph still needs to be associated with a character in the font project.

Rank #3
UGEE Drawing Tablet Graphics, M708 V2 Upgrade PC&Computer&Android Device,10x6 Inch Ultra Thin Large Graphic for PC, Pad with 8 Hot Keys Upgrade 16384 Level Battery-Free Stylus for Unleash Creativity
  • [Drawing tablet for PC &Computer support Mac/Windows/Android/Chrome】:Compatible with multiple operating systems: Works with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Android 6.0 or later devices Supports popular creative software: Compatible with ibis Paint X, FlipaClip, MediBang Paint, Autodesk SketchBook, ZenBrush, ArtRage, and other major drawing applications. Note: This is a graphics input device that requires connection to a computer or compatible mobile device to function; it does not operate as a standalone tablet
  • 【Drawing Pad for PC and Computer,Compatible with PC Multiple Systems】 This graphics tablet is compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11or later, Chrome OS 88 or later and Linux, Mac OS 10.12 or above after download latest driver from UGEE official website, Creative software and Driver Program works: for example: Adobe Photoshop/Photoshop CC/Illustrator/LightRoom/Corel Painter/Autodesk MAYA/Pixologic ZBrush/ Macromedia Flash/Comic Studio/SAI and etc.drawing software. [Note: NOT SUPPORT iPhone]
  • [New Version 16384 level Passive Stylus Technology,Papery Drawing Experience]: The Pen of Ugee drawing tablet M708 with 8192 levels pressure sensitivity, the harder you press, the thicker and darker lines would be,the lines transition from thin to thick will be fluid and precisely under your control.The paper-like surface of the graphic tablet provides users with a more.
  • [Large Active Drawing Area]: UGEE M708 Android Version Upgrade,10 x 6.25-inch working area allows to release your inspiration on enough space and slim, sleek, super lightweight panel with compact design and delicate craftsmanship, For your digital artwork Creation, offers a no delay or no chopping excellent drawing experience. Create delightful moments, make joy last
  • [Ergonomically Design Shortcults with 8 customizable and Innovative Tilt Control System]: M708 V2 Own 8 customizable express keys on the side for short cuts like eraser, zoom in and out, scrolling and undo, provide more for convenience and helps to improve the productivity and efficiency when creating with the drawing tablet; supports up to 60 degrees of tilt brush effect and delivers smoother and more natural lines and strokes, while also giving you the ability to add shading to your creation.

4. Assign widths and spacing

Set each glyph’s width and side spacing, then judge the result in words rather than looking at each character only in isolation. The gaps between letters affect rhythm and readability; a font editor’s metrics tools help you adjust those relationships. FontForge documents metrics and glyph relationships, while FontLab lists spacing and kerning features. FontForge documentation FontLab 8

5. Add typographic features only if the font needs them

Features such as ligatures can make a font more capable, but they are optional for a first small personal font. Add them when they serve the design or intended use, and use your editor’s documentation to configure them. FontForge documents ligatures; FontLab lists automatic OpenType feature creation among its production capabilities. FontForge documentation FontLab 8

Rank #4
Sale
XPPen Deco 01 V3 10x6 Drawing Tablet, 16K Battery-Free Stylus, 8 Keys
  • Word-first 16K Pressure Levels: The upgraded stylus features 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports up to 60 degrees of tilt, delivering smoother lines and shading for a natural drawing experience. With no battery or charging needed, it operates like a real pen, making it easy for beginners to create effortlessly. This functionality helps novice artists develop their skills and explore their creativity without the intimidation of complex tools
  • Designed for Beginners: This drawing pad desinged with 8 customizable shortcuts for both right and left-hand users, express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform
  • Perfectly Adapted for Android: The XPPen Deco 01 V3 art tablet supports connections with Android devices running version 10.0 and above. It is recommended to download the XPPen Tools Android application, which adapts to your smartphone's screen aspect ratio, ensuring accurate mapping. It also supports mapping on Android screens with different aspect ratios in portrait mode
  • Large Drawing Space, Bigger Bold Inspiration: This expansive drawing pad has10 x 6.25-inch helps you break through the limit between shortcut keys and drawing area
  • Easy Connectivity for Beginners: The Deco 01 V3 offers USB-C to USB-C connectivity, plus adapters for USB C. This ensures easy connection to various devices, allowing beginner artists to set up quickly and focus on their creativity without compatibility concerns. Whether using a laptop, tablet, or desktop, the Deco 01 V3 provides a seamless experience, making it an ideal choice for those just starting their digital art journey

6. Generate and inspect the font

Keep the editable project file and generate a separate font file for use. Inspect the output, then open or install it in the applications where it is meant to work. Check that the intended characters appear, spacing looks acceptable in real text, and the output is accepted by your target workflow. FontForge’s design guide identifies TTF and OTF as practical finished formats and recommends checking work before release. FontForge design guide

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Choose an output format for its destination

TTF and OTF are practical choices for many desktop-font workflows, but no single format is best for every destination. FontForge’s guide identifies TrueType (.ttf) and OpenType CFF (.otf) as practical finished choices; Birdfont lists TTF, OTF, and SVG export. Choose a format accepted by the applications or publishing workflow where you will use the font, and check any specific submission requirements. FontForge design guide Birdfont font-creation guide

Best Value
Sale
XPPen Artist 13.3 Pro V2 Drawing Tablet with Screen, 16K, Full-Laminated
  • PLEASE NOTE:XPPen Artist13.3 Pro drawing tablet Need to connect with computer,you need to use it with your computer or laptop, the 3 in 1 cable is included
  • Drawing Tablet with Screen: Tilt Function- XPPen Artist 13.3 Pro supports up to 60 degrees of tilt function, so now you don't need to adjust the brush direction in the software again and again. Simply tilt to add shading to your creation and enjoy smoother and more natural transitions between lines and strokes
  • Graphics Tablets: High Color Gamut- The 13.3 inch fully-laminated FHD Display pairs a superb color accuracy of 88% NTSC (Adobe RGB≧91%,sRGB≧123%) with a 178-degree viewing angle and delivers rich colors, vivid images, and dazzling details in a wider view. Your creative world is now as powerful as it is colorful
  • Drawing Pad: One is enough- The sleek Red Dial on the display is expertly designed with creators in mind, its strategic placement allows for natural drawing postures. With just one wheel, you can effortlessly zoom in and out, adjust brush sizes, and flip the canvas—all tailored to suit the habits of everyday artists. The 8 customizable shortcut keys allow you to personalize your setup, streamlining your workflow and enhancing creative efficiency
  • Universal Compatibility & Software Support:supports Windows 7 (or later), Mac OS X 10.10 (or later), Chrome OS 88 (or later), and Linux systems. Fully compatible with major creative software including Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, and Blender 3D. Register your device to access additional programs like ArtRage 5 and openCanvas for expanded creative possibilities.

What to decide before you start

  • Character coverage: List the characters and languages the font must support before drawing.
  • Target use: Identify the applications or publishing workflow that need to accept the font file.
  • License: Check the terms for the editor edition you use and the license under which you plan to distribute the font.
  • Feature needs: Treat ligatures, variable fonts, and color fonts as project requirements only when your intended use calls for them.
  • Scope: A small personal font and a larger family are different production projects; choose tools and workload accordingly.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.